Olfactory Dysfunction
Conditions
Brief summary
This prospective longitudinal cohort study will enroll adults aged 50 years and older to characterize olfactory dysfunction in aging. Participants will undergo comprehensive olfactory testing, cognitive assessment, biomarker collection, and imaging to identify clinically relevant phenotypes based on anatomic site of dysfunction. The study will also evaluate the impact of olfactory dysfunction on quality of life and identify baseline factors associated with changes in olfactory function over time.
Detailed description
Olfactory dysfunction is common in older adults and is associated with impaired quality of life and increased mortality, yet underlying mechanisms and clinically relevant classifications remain poorly defined. Prior studies have relied on limited screening methods and have not adequately characterized the anatomic sites or mechanisms contributing to olfactory loss. This prospective longitudinal cohort study will enroll adults aged 50 years and older to comprehensively evaluate olfactory function and its determinants. Participants will undergo psychophysical olfactory testing using Sniffin' Sticks (threshold, discrimination, and identification), cognitive assessment, nasal endoscopy, and olfactory mucus collection for biomarker analysis. A subset of participants will also undergo magnetic resonance imaging to assess peripheral and central olfactory structures. The primary objective is to establish clinically relevant phenotypes of olfactory dysfunction based on olfactory testing and cognitive function, corresponding to peripheral, sensorineural, or central mechanisms. Secondary objectives are to determine the impact of olfactory dysfunction on quality of life, depression, social isolation, and nutrition using validated patient-reported outcome measures, and to identify baseline factors that predict longitudinal changes in olfactory function. Participants will be followed annually with repeat olfactory testing and outcome assessments to evaluate changes over time and identify predictors of olfactory decline. This study aims to improve understanding of olfactory dysfunction in aging and provide a foundation for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Interventions
OTHERClinical and Biomarker Assessments
Participants undergo olfactory testing (Sniffin' Sticks), cognitive assessment, nasal endoscopy, olfactory mucus collection, MRI imaging (subset), and patient-reported outcome measures to evaluate olfactory function, biomarkers, and health outcomes over time.
Sponsors
Medical University of South Carolina
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
50 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Age: 50 years or older * Ability to follow instructions and understand consent process in English * Adequate visual, auditory, or motor functioning to complete items in the test battery or availability of assistance or assist devices to complete tasks
Exclusion criteria
\- Vulnerable populations including prisoners or institutionalized individuals
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Olfactory Function | Baseline | Olfactory Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification (TDI scores) using Sniffin' Sticks. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Olfactory Function Over Time | Year 1 and year 2 | Longitudinal assessment of changes in olfactory function to identify decline over time.. Change in TDI scores (threshold, discrimination, identification) |
| Patient-Reported Outcomes | Baseline, Year 1 and year 2 | Patient-reported measure assessing quality of life using QOD questionnaire. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
CONTACTRodney Schlosser, MD
Outcome results
None listed